Department of Fire and Emergency Services decision shuts Wallcliffe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade Prevelly shed

The coastal community of Prevelly-Gnarabup is now without an on-site immediate emergency bushfire response after a Department of Fire and Emergency Services decision to close down the local fire shed. The Prevelly shed, which hosted one fire truck, was maintained for decades by the Wallcliffe Volunteer Bushfire Brigade, and while the brigade headquarters on Wallcliffe Road remained its main base, the Times understands the shed closure was ordered as part of Wallcliffe’s transition to full control under DFES this month after years as a Shire of Augusta-Margaret River-run brigade. Coastal residents canvassed by the Times expressed shock and dismay at the shed closure, noting some Prevelly-based brigade members would now have a 20-minute round trip to attend emergencies instead of turning up in the fire truck at once. Already the site of a major bushfire which jumped the river in 2011 and destroyed dozens of homes, residents said any delay in Prevelly on an extreme fire-risk day with a 20 knot sea breeze could spell disaster. The news comes just two weeks after the Times reported DFES recommended against the proposed Westin Margaret River Resort & Spa and an associated de facto village development at Gnarabup due to strident bushfire safety concerns as the headland faced a major population boost. The Shire declined to respond to questions about whether bushfire safety measures for Prevelly were adequate in the wake of the move, directing inquiries to DFES. DFES noted Wallcliffe’s headquarters was just 5km from the coastal hamlet and had five other appliances at the ready. “As part of the transfer, a review of the brigade’s facilities and assets was conducted by DFES to ensure the safety of firefighters and that they were fit-for-purpose and met operational requirements,” a spokesperson said. “Wallcliffe fire station has suitable infrastructure and is well located to service the needs of the Gnarabup and Prevelly communities. “Each bushfire season DFES co-ordinates and implements additional resources for the Gnarabup and Prevelly areas to ensure there is adequate protection for the local community.” While DFES listed extra crews, fixed wing and helicopter support, its jewel in the crown — the big air tanker based in Busselton — was destroyed on Monday when it crashed during operations near Hopetoun. Protest group Preserve Gnarabup called on a raft of Labor MPs to pull their thumbs out and act for the safety of the coastal community. “The fire vehicle is gone, the sign has gone, and the shed is open,” spokeswoman Astrid Serventy said. “How can this happen when DFES says Gnarabup is an extreme bushfire-risk area?” Firefighters declined Times inquiries because of a DFES clamp on volunteers speaking to the media.